Taiwan International Driving Permit FAQ 台灣國際駕駛執照常見問題

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Most scooter or car rental shops in Taiwan require foreigners to show their International Driving Permit (IDP) before they can rent. However, sometimes they want to see that you have a Taiwan driver's license. Either way, getting an international driver's permit (IDP) is the best choice if you plan to drive in Taiwan as a foreign tourist. 
If you already have a Taiwanese license, you can also apply for an IDP in Taiwan so that you can drive in other foreign countries. 
Overall, the process is simple, fast, easy, and cost efficient. 

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​There are basically four ways that you can apply for an IDP to drive in Taiwan or other countries:

1. Apply for an IDP in your home country 在你自己的國家申請:
Depending on where you live, you may be able to apply for an IDP in your home country before you even come to Taiwan. 
If you are visiting Taiwan as a tourist for a short time, you should apply for an IDP before you come to to Taiwan!
If you are from the USA like me, you can apply at AAA (Triple A). They require two passport photos, your current license, and about 20 USD, and as I recall they give you the license immediately when you visit their office.
Other procedures will vary by country.
Once you come to Taiwan, an IDP issued from overseas is only valid for 30 days. After 30 days, you need to apply for an extension for your international driving permit, which can extend it's validity to one year. from Taiwan, or exchange your foreign license for a Taiwanese license. 

2. Extend your foreign-issued IDP in Taiwan to one year 在台灣把你的外國駕照延期一年
As per above, international IDPs are only valid for 30 days in Taiwan. After that, you need to apply for an extension. You can visit you nearest department of motor vehicles in Taiwan and apply for this. Usually this kind of IDP is valid for one year at a time. According to the AIT website, the following documents are required:

1. Valid International Driving Permit.
2. Valid foreign driver’s license.
3. Passport or ARC card.
4. Completed application form.
5. 2 one-inch photos.

3. Exchange your foreign license for a Taiwanese license 把你的外國駕照換成台灣駕照
If your foreign driver's license was issued in a country/state/province that has a reciprocal driver's license agreement with Taiwan, you can trade in your foreign driver's license for a Taiwan driver's license.
First, please check that your home country / state / province has a reciprocal license agreement with Taiwan by looking at the list here. 
According to the Taiwan government website, the following documents are required:

1. Identity documents (original and photocopy):
   Nationals with nationality of R.O.C. and have household registration in the Taiwan area should submit national I.D. card or military I.D. card.
   For those who hold formal driving licenses issued by foreign government, Mainland China area, Hong Kong or Macau and obtain staying permit or residence permit for more than 6 months, they can submit the application the next day after entry.
2. Three one-inch color photos with glossy single-color background, without wearing hat, with clear facial features, bust shot, and were taken within past 2 years. Do not use image synthesis.
3. Original passport and its photocopy.
4. Original overseas driving license within the expiration and its photocopy (verification application required).
5. Automobile (motorcycle) driving license registration form with qualified health examination.
6. Proof of entry/exit record.
7. Driving license fee: NT$200

Taiwan government website: https://www.thb.gov.tw/en/cp.aspx?n=616​

Note 1: If you country has no reciprocal agreement with Taiwan, the only option is to take the Taiwan driver's test. See here for our guide on how to take the Taiwan driver's test. 
Note 2: You will not actually "exchange" you foreign license. You will be able to keep your foreign license. 

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​4. Apply for an IDP in Taiwan using a Taiwanese driver's license 如果你已經有台灣的駕照,可以在台灣申請國際駕照
If you already have a local Taiwan driver's license, you can visit your nearest department of motor vehicles in Taiwan and apply using your Taiwan license. Usually this kind of IDP is valid for three years at a time, and is not valid for driving in Taiwan. It is valid for driving in most all countries except Japan. According to the Taiwan government website, the following documents are required:

1. Identity documents or residence permit.
2. Two 2-inch color photos with glossy single-color background, without wearing hat, with clear facial features, bust shot, and were taken within past 2 years. Do not use image synthesis.
3. Driving license.
4. Copy of passport (to verify name in English).
5. Fee: NT$250.

Taiwan government website: https://www.thb.gov.tw/en/cp.aspx?n=631 

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Frequently Asked Questions 常見問題:

Q. Can I drive in Taiwan if I have a foreign driver's license but no IDP?
A. No, you must have both your original driver's license and an IDP to legally drive in Taiwan. Alternatively, you can exchange your foreign license for a Taiwanese license if you meet the requirements explained above.

Q. Can I obtain an IDP in Taiwan with a foreign driver's license?
A. No, you cannot obtain an IDP in Taiwan using a foreign driver's license. You must obtain one before your trip.
Alternatively, you can apply for an IDP for other countries if you have a Taiwanese driver's license. 

Q. What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
A. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that allows you to legally drive a car or motorcycle in countries where your domestic driver's license may not be recognized.

Q. Is it necessary to have an IDP to drive in Taiwan?
A. Yes, if you are a foreigner visiting Taiwan and want to drive a car or motorcycle, you need to have an IDP along with your original driver's license from your home country.
Otherwise you can apply for a Taiwanese license using the steps above. 

Q. How do I apply for an IDP for Taiwan?
A. You can apply for an IDP through your home country's automobile association or similar organization. You will need to fill out an application and provide a passport-sized photo, your valid driver's license, and payment of the application fee.
You can also apply for an IDP in Taiwan if you have a Taiwanese license, using the steps explained above. 

Q. Where can I obtain an IDP?
A. You can obtain an IDP in your home country, usually from the national automobile association or similar organization.
Alternatively, you can apply for an IDP for other countries if you have a Taiwanese driver's license, from the local Taiwan motor vehicles office. 

Q. What type of IDP do I need for Taiwan?
A. You will need a 1968 Convention IDP, which is the only type of IDP recognized in Taiwan.

Q. How long is an IDP valid for in Taiwan?
A. An IDP is valid for only 30 days in Taiwan, after which you can apply for a one year extension from the date of issuance. See above for details.

Q. Can I drive with just my IDP or do I need to bring my original driver's license as well?
A. You must bring both your original driver's license and your IDP when driving in Taiwan.

Q. Do I need to take a driving test in Taiwan if I have an IDP?
A. No, if you have an IDP, you do not need to take a driving test in Taiwan.

Q. Do I need an IDP to rent a car in Taiwan?
A. Yes, most car rental companies in Taiwan will accept an IDP along with your original driver's license.

Q. Do I need an IDP to rent a motorcycle/scooter in Taiwan?
A. Yes, you can use your IDP to rent a motorcycle in Taiwan as long as your home country's license covers motorcycle riding.

Q. Is there a specific fee for obtaining an IDP for Taiwan?
A. The fee for obtaining an IDP may vary depending on the issuing agency in your home country.
If you have an Taiwanese license, you can apply for an IDP in Taiwan for 250 NT for use in all other countries except Japan.

Q. How long does it take to obtain an IDP for Taiwan?
A. The processing time for an IDP varies depending on the issuing agency in your home country.
In Taiwan and the USA, it only takes a few minutes and can be issued the same day.

Q. Can I apply for an IDP online?
A. Some countries allow online applications for IDPs, but it's best to check with your local automobile association or similar organization for specific information.
In Taiwan, you must apply for an IDP in person. 

Q. Do I need to have a Chinese translation of my IDP?
A. No, a Chinese/Taiwanese translation of your IDP is not necessary, as long as your IDP is in English. 

Q. Can I renew my IDP in Taiwan?
A. An IDP is valid for only 30 days in Taiwan, after which you can apply for a one year extension from the date of issuance. See above for details. If the IDP issued in your home country expires, you must renew it before traveling to Taiwan.

Q. What should I do if I lose my IDP in Taiwan?
A. You should contact your home country's issuing agency to report the loss and obtain a replacement IDP.

Q. Can I use my IDP for driving in other countries besides Taiwan?
A. Yes, you can use your IDP for other countries that accept the IDP issued to you. Over 150 countries accept this kind of IDP. 

Q. What happens if I drive in Taiwan without an IDP?
A. Driving in Taiwan without an IDP is illegal and can result in fines, legal trouble, and even deportation.
​
Q. Can I convert my IDP to a Taiwanese driver's license?
A. No, you cannot convert an IDP to a Taiwanese driver's license. You must convert your foreign license to a Taiwanese license, or take a driving test and obtain a Taiwanese driver's license if you plan to live in Taiwan long-term.

Q. Are there any restrictions on the type of vehicles I can drive in Taiwan with an IDP?
A. Yes, you can only drive vehicles that are allowed by your home country driver's license.

Q. Are there any additional driving requirements in Taiwan for foreigners?
A. Yes, foreign visitors are required to carry a passport or other valid identification at all times while driving in Taiwan.

Q. Can I use my IDP for multiple trips to Taiwan?
A. Yes, as long as it is still valid.

Q. How do I rent a motorcycle/moped/scooter in Taiwan?
A. Check out our Taiwan scooter rental guide here.
Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? Click here to search for options.

Q. How do I rent a car in Taiwan?
A. Check out our Taiwan car rental guide here. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search here. 
​
Anything else I should be aware of when driving in Taiwan? 
Yes!

• Driving on National Highways will incur a fee of about 1.5 NT per kilometer, so don’t be surprised when the rental company throws this extra fee at you.
• Turning right on a red light is against the law.

• When turning right, check your blind spot and the space behind your car for scooters. There are scooters everywhere. To make a safe right turn, make sure to signal early, turn slowly, and check your mirrors and blind spots. 
• Check for speed cameras and red light cameras. These are the only effective way of traffic enforcement in Taiwan, and they are everywhere! But, most GPS systems in Taiwan will tell you where they are, and will warn you when you approach them.
• Getting in an accident can be messy and involve a long litigation process. If it's just a minor accident, consider paying cash to the other person and avoid calling the police if at all possible.  However, always consult with your rental company on their accident policies.
• There are a few lanes in Taipei City that are just for buses. Don't drive on them.
• Some lanes are only meant for scooters or motorcycles.
• Avoid small alleys if at all possible. You can get stuck and might have to end up backing out.
• If you come to a blind corner, there should be a round mirror at the intersection to let you see if there is any oncoming traffic from the right or left.

Looking for scooter rental in Taipei? Click here or here to search for options. You can also check out our scooter rental guide here. 
If you are looking for car rentals, you can also search here. You can also check out our car rental guide here. 

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more of our blogs to come!